Information communication terminal

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an information communication terminal etc. capable of projecting images utilizing a feature of image projection.  
     When projecting images at the time of receiving information during image projection mode execution as such, incoming notification image data stored as dedicated images for projection which are different from images to be displayed on the image section  119  are read from the internal memory  112,  and an image projection unit  130  is controlled to project the incoming notification image. When projecting the incoming notification image, sound output means (voice processing unit  115  and speaker  117 ) may be controlled to output incoming sound for image projection which is different from normal incoming sound when projecting no image.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an information communication terminalsuch as a mobile phone capable of projecting images.

BACKGROUND ART

In the past, a mobile phone comprising a display, a projector as imageprojecting means and control means for controlling the display and theprojector is well known (refer to Patent Document 1, for example). Thismobile phone is configured so as to perform enlarged projection of atleast one part of an image to be display on the display, to an externalprojection screen via the projector. This mobile phone may performenlarged projection of one part of an image displayed on the displayscreen to an external projection screen, or enlarged projection of theentire image on the screen to the projection screen.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application PublicationNo. 2001-21992

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

However, the mobile phone described in the Patent Document 1 projects apart of or an entire individual image displayed on the display, and doesnot project an image utilizing a feature of image projection in which animage is projected onto an external relatively wide projection screen.

The present invention has been accomplished in view of theabove-mentioned problem. An object of the present invention is toprovide an information communication terminal capable of projecting animage utilizing a feature of image projection.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

In order to attain the aforementioned object, an informationcommunication terminal according to the present invention is aninformation communication terminal comprising image display means fordisplaying images, image projection means for projecting images onto anexternal projection screen, and control means for controlling the imageprojection means: the information communication terminal furthercomprising data memory means for memorizing data of dedicated images forprojection which are different from images displayed by the imagedisplay means; wherein the control means controls the image projectionmeans to read out data of the dedicated image for projection from thedata memory means when projecting an image, and project the dedicatedimage for projection.

This information communication terminal controls the image projectionmeans to memorize data of dedicated images for projection which aredifferent from images displayed by image display means, read out data ofthe dedicated image for projection from the data memory means whenprojecting images, and project the dedicated image for projection. Asmentioned above, without constraint on displaying images by the imagedisplay means, a dedicated image for projection which is different fromimages displayed by the image display means can be projected, so thatimage projection is allowed utilizing a feature of image projection.

Further, it is preferable that the information communication terminalcomprises information receiving means for receiving information via acommunication network; and the control means controls the imageprojection means for projecting an incoming notification image dedicatedto projection which can be set up independently from incomingnotification images displayed by the image display means, as thededicated images for projection, when information is received by theinformation receiving means.

Incoming notification images displayed by conventional image displaymeans are used as a compliment to sound or vibration for incomingnotifications, and cannot offer an incoming notification function withthe image alone. Therefore, even if an incoming notification imagedisplayed by the image display means is projected onto an externalprojection screen without change, the image alone was not able toconsistently notify the user of incoming information.

In contrary to this, an information communication terminal according tothe present invention projects an incoming notification image dedicatedto projection as an incoming notification image to notify of incominginformation when the information is received by the informationreceiving means. This incoming notification image dedicated toprojection can be set up independently from incoming notification imagesdisplayed by the image display means. Therefore, the incomingnotification images dedicated to projection can be set up for users torecognize visually and to get their attention easily, withoutconstraints on incoming notification images displayed by the imagedisplay means. Projecting this incoming notification image dedicated toprojection onto an external project screen enables users to be notifiedthat an incoming notification image is projected onto the externalprojection screen and to direct users' attention to the incomingnotification image.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned information communication terminalpreferably comprises: information receiving means for receivinginformation via communication network; and sound output means foroutputting sound, and when information is received by the informationreceiving means, the control means controls the sound output means so asto output incoming sound dedicated to image projection timing, which isdifferent from normal incoming sound when the foregoing dedicated imagefor projection are not projected. This information communicationterminal projects incoming notification images for notifying of anincoming of information onto an external projection screen which isvisible by users when the information is received by the informationreceiving means. Then, along with the projection of this incomingnotification image, it outputs incoming sound dedicated to imageprojection timing, which is different from normal incoming sound when animage is not projected. This incoming sound dedicated to imageprojection timing is able to notify users that an incoming notificationimage is projected onto an external projection screen and to direct theattention of users to the incoming notification image.

Further, in the information communication terminal, the control meanspreferably controls so that an operation of the foregoing imageprojection means is kept stopping during standby status for receivingthe information, and an image projection is started by activating theimage projection means when information is received by the informationreceiving means. Since, by stopping operation of the image projectionmeans during standby status for receiving the information, thisinformation communication terminal does not wastefully consume power inimage projection means, wasteful power consumption by the imageprojection means can be avoided during standby status for receivinginformation. Then, when information is received by the informationreceiving means, by activating the image projection means for startingimage projection, an incoming notification image is consistentlyprojected onto an external projection screen.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned information communication terminal,the foregoing data memory means preferably memorizes data of multiplekinds of individual images which are different from each other,including displayable images on the image display means and thededicated images for projection, and the control means controls theimage projection means for combining data of multiple individual imageswhich are selectively read out from the data memory means, to generatedata of a dedicated image for projection as a subject to be projected,and to project the dedicated image for projection as a subject to beprojected onto an external projection screen. At this point, projectionembodiment of the above-mentioned image dedicated to projection as asubject to be projected is not limited to any specific one. For example,as described later, it can be projected by allocating each of multiplekinds of individual images to multiple individual areas which aredifferent from each other onto an external projection screen, or byprojecting multiple kinds of individual images to be overlapped.

In case of the above-mentioned overlapped projection, for example, anembedded projection area is setup for one part of an individual imageand another individual image is projected so as to be embedded into theembedded projection area. Also, it may set a priority for eachindividual image and project an image with higher priority for areawhere each of the individual images overlap. The shapes of the embeddedprojection areas are not limited to special shapes, and can be set to beof any shape. In addition, for the above-mentioned overlappingprojection case, one individual image may be set as a background image,and another individual image may be overlapped and projected as atransparent image left with text parts on the background image.

This information communication terminal projects a dedicated image forprojection as a subject to be projected, which are generated bycombining data of multiple individual images selected from multiplekinds of individual images including displayable images on the displayunit and dedicated images for projection, onto an external projectionscreen. Users are able to confirm multiple kinds of individual images atthe same time by viewing these images onto the external projectionscreen. Furthermore, users are not required to perform screen switchingto confirm these multiple individual images.

Moreover, the above-mentioned information communication terminalpreferably projects by allocating each of the multiple kinds ofindividual images to multiple individual projection areas which aredifferent from each other onto the external projection screen. Thisinformation communication terminal projects each of individual imageswithout overlapping each other by allocating the individual images tomultiple individual projection areas which are different from each otheronto the external projection screen, and can avoid interference betweeneach individual image avoided so that each entire individual image canbe consistently recognized visually.

Further, in the above-mentioned communication terminal, preferably, theabove-mentioned image display means comprises multiple display units,and multiple kinds of individual images to be projected together ontothe external projection screen are individual images which are differentfrom each other and displayed on each display unit. This informationcommunication terminal projects multiple kinds of individual images,which are displayed on multiple display units, together onto the sameexternal project screen. Users are able to confirm the multiple kinds ofindividual images displayed on each display unit at the same time byviewing the images onto this external projection screen. In this manner,on the same external projection screen, multiple kinds of individualimages which are different from each other and displayed on multipledisplay units can be confirmed at the same time.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned information communication terminalpreferably comprises: projection image designation means for users todesignate individual images to be combined to the dedicated image forprojection as a subject to be projected, and the above-mentioned controlmeans generates data of a dedicated image for projection as a subject tobe projected by combining multiple individual image data designated byusing the projection image designation means. This informationcommunication terminal can project a dedicated image for projection,which are combined from multiple individual images designated by usersvia the projection image designation means, together onto the externalprojection screen, and allows users to designate multiple individualimages forming a dedicated image for projection to be projected onto theexternal projection screen.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned information communication terminalpreferably comprises a plurality of the above-mentioned image projectionmeans, and the above-mentioned control means controls the plural imageprojection means independently. This information communication terminalcan project images from each image projection means onto each differentprojection screen by controlling the plural image projection means withthe control means.

Furthermore, this information communication terminal preferablycomprises designation means for designating at least one of theforegoing plural image projection means, and the above-mentioned controlmeans controls the projection of images with image projection meansdesignated by the designation means. In this information communicationterminal, if a user specifies one of the multiple image projection meanswith the designation means, the control means controls the imageprojection means, and images from the designated image projection meansare projected onto the project screen so that the user can switch theimage projection means for projecting the images.

Also, the above-mentioned information communication terminal preferablycomprises light quantity designation means for designating the lightquantity for the above-mentioned image projection means, and theabove-mentioned control means controls the image projection means forobtaining the light quantity designated by the light quantitydesignation means. In this information communication terminal, if a userspecifies the light quantity with the light quantity designation means,the control means controls the image projection means and the imageprojection means obtains the light quantity designated by the lightquantity designation means. In this manner, a user can set up lightquantity for the image projection means to the appropriate lightquantity according to the kind of project screen, so that wasteful powerconsumption can be reduced while maintaining visual recognition ofprojection images.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned information communication terminal,the above-mentioned image projection means is preferably configured byusing a projection optical system which projects images displayed on thedisplay unit setup for the image display means onto the external projectscreen. This information communication terminal is able to display animage as a subject of projection on the display unit and project theimage displayed on this display unit so that the display unit is alsoused as a light source for the image projection means.

The image display means preferably allows the variable setup of thelight quantity for the display unit that displays an image as a subjectof projection. In this manner, if the light quantity setup is variable,the light quantity of the display unit can be set to an appropriatelight quantity according to the status of the external projection screenor the room light where images are projected. For example, when theexternal projection screen is a curved surface or rough surface, orvisually colored so as to be difficult to recognize, the light quantityof the display unit should be set higher. Or when images on the displayunit are enlarged and projected onto the external projection screen, thelight quantity of the display unit should be set higher than at normalimage display since this may result in making it difficult to visuallyrecognize due to lower light quantity of the images projected.

The light quantity setup for the above-mentioned display unit may beswitched in accordance with specifications designated by users withlight quantity designation means, or may be switched automatically to apredetermined light quantity when the control means starts imageprojection.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned information communication terminal,preferably, the above-mentioned projection optical system projectsimages flipped horizontally on the display unit, and the above-mentionedcontrol means is able to control the above-mentioned image display meansfor displaying mirror reversed images on the display unit byhorizontally flipping images at normal image display. This informationcommunication terminal displays images in a normal horizontal directionon the display unit at normal image display. Then, when projectingimages, the control means controls the image display means, and imagesare displayed on the display unit by horizontally flipping the ones atnormal image display. These mirror-reversed images are againhorizontally flipped by the projection optical system so that the imagesprojected onto the external projection screen become images in a normalhorizontal direction. In this manner, when projecting images, mirrorreversed images can be displayed on the display unit by flippinghorizontally images at normal image display, and images on this displayunit can be projected onto the external project screen afterhorizontally flipping the images on the display unit again so thatimages such as text information can be projected in the correcthorizontal direction, the same as at normal image display.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned information communication terminalpreferably comprises light quantity designation means for designatinglight quantity for the above-mentioned image display means, and theabove-mentioned control means controls the image display means forgetting the light quantity designated by the light quantity designationmeans when projecting images. In this information communicationterminal, if a user specifies the light quantity with the light quantitydesignation means, the control means controls the image display meansand the image display means gets the light quantity designated by thelight quantity designation means. In this manner, a user can set thelight quantity of image display means to the appropriate light quantityaccording to the kind of projection screen so that wasteful powerconsumption can be reduced while maintaining visual recognition ofprojection images.

Moreover, the above-mentioned information communication terminalpreferably comprises application execution management means for managingthe application program execution environment, and the above-mentionedcontrol means controls the initiation of image projection by activatingthe above-mentioned image projection means when image projectioninstructions are received from the application execution managementmeans. This information communication terminal activates the imageprojection means when image projection instructions are received fromthe application execution management means, and stops operations of theimage projection means during no image projection. Doing this allows theimage projection means to not waste power consumption so that wastefulpower consumption can be avoided by the image projection means when noimages are being projected.

The above-mentioned “information communication terminal” includes amobile phone of the PDC (Personal Digital Cellular) system, GSM (GlobalSystem for Mobile Communication) system and TIA (TelecommunicationsIndustry Association) system etc., an IMT (International MobileTelecommunications)-2000 standardized mobile phone, and a mobile phoneof TD-SCDMA (MC: Multi Carrier) system which is one of TD-SCDMA (TimeDivision Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access) system as well.Also, an “information communication terminal” includes PHS (PersonalHandyphone System), telephones such as automobile phones, an informationcommunication terminal with a mobile phone module, and a fixed phone.

Also, control in the above-mentioned communication information terminalcan also be realized by allowing a computer provided to the mobilecommunication terminal to execute a predetermined program. Receiving andpassing of a program used on the computer may be performed using arecording medium, such as a Flexible Disk or a CD-ROM, having recordedthereon a program as digital information, or may be performed using acommunication network such as a computer network.

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, images utilizing a feature of imageprojection can be projected, since a dedicated image for projectionwhich is different from images displayed by image display means can beprojected without constraints on displaying images with the imagedisplay means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overviewconfiguration of a mobile phone according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the imageprojection unit of the same mobile phone.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of thesame image projection unit.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative diagram showing image projection by a mobilephone equipped with the same image projection unit.

FIG. 5A is an illustrative diagram of an incoming notification imageprojected by the same image projection unit.

FIG. 5B is an illustrative diagram of an image of incoming historyinformation projected by the same image projection unit.

FIG. 5C is an illustrative diagram of an image of new incominginformation lists projected by the same image projection unit.

FIG. 6A is an illustrative diagram of an incoming notification imageprojected by the same image projection unit.

FIG. 6B is an illustrative diagram of an incoming notification imageprojected by the same image projection unit.

FIG. 6C is an illustrative diagram of images of incoming historyinformation projected by the same image projection unit.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the incoming process flow wheninformation is received in the same mobile phone.

FIG. 8 is a sequence chart showing the process flow to project a newincoming notification image when a new mail is received.

FIG. 9 is a sequence chart showing an example of the process flow toproject a new incoming notification image when a call is received.

FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing an example of the process flow toproject a new incoming notification image when new information isreceived from an information provider system via a mobiletelecommunication network.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a configurationoverview of a mobile phone capable of executing application programs.

FIG. 12 is an illustrative diagram showing an example of softwareconfiguration on the same mobile phone.

FIG. 13 is a sequence chart showing an example of the process flow toproject a new incoming notification image when a new mail is received onthe same mobile phone.

FIG. 14 is a sequence chart showing an example of the process flow toproject a new incoming notification image when a call is received on thesame mobile phone.

FIG. 15 is an illustrative diagram showing a mobile phone according tothe second embodiment projecting an image.

FIG. 16 is an illustrative diagram of images projected by the same imageprojection unit.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the projection control process in thecontrol unit of the same mobile phone.

FIG. 18A is an illustrative diagram showing an example of projectionimages projected by combining individual images displayed on each unitof multiple display units.

FIG. 18B shows an illustrative diagram showing another example ofprojection images projected by combining individual images displayed oneach unit of multiple display units.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the projection control process in thecontrol unit of the same mobile phone.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an example of a configurationoverview of a mobile phone according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the imageprojection unit in the same mobile phone.

FIG. 22 is a partial side view of a mobile phone with the imageprojection unit in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is an illustrative diagram showing the same mobile phone isprojecting images.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

100 MOBILE PHONE

111 CONTROL UNIT

113 WIRELESS COMMUNICATION UNIT

119B REAR DISPLAY

130 IMAGE PROJECTION UNIT

200 PROJECTION SCREEN

200 a˜200 d DIVIDED PROJECTION AREAS

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First Embodiment

Firstly, a first embodiment of the present invention is described.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration overviewof a mobile phone as an information communication terminal according tothe first embodiment. This mobile phone according to this embodimentconsistently notifies a user of incoming information by projecting adedicated image for projection when information such as mail isreceived.

In FIG. 1, a mobile phone 100 comprises: a control unit 111 as controlmeans, an internal memory 112, a wireless communication unit 113 asinformation receiving means and an antenna 114. The control unit 111connects with a microphone 116 and a speaker 117 via a voice-processingunit 115, connects with a display unit 119 via an image process unit118, and further connects with a key operation unit 120.

The mobile phone according to this embodiment comprises an imageprojection unit 130 as the image projection means for projecting imagesonto an external projection screen (hereinafter referred as a“projection screen”) 200 that is visually recognized by users.

The control unit 111 is configured with, for example, a CPU, a cachememory, a system bus and the like, and by executing the predeterminedcontrol program, performs sending/receiving of data between each part ofthe internal memory 112 or the wireless communication unit 113 as such,and controls each unit. This control unit 111 is used as control meansfor controlling image projection of later described image projectionunit 130.

The internal memory 112 is configured with, for example, a semiconductormemory such as RAM or ROM and memorizes control programs executed by thecontrol unit 111 and various kinds of data. This internal memory 112 isused as content data memory means for memorizing contents data such asimages, music and programs downloaded from information provider sitesetc. Furthermore, this internal memory 112 is also used as data memorymeans for memorizing sound data to be output from the speaker 117, dataof images for displaying to be displayed on the display unit 119, anddata of dedicated images for projection to be projected with the imageprojection unit 130.

The wireless communication unit 113 is controlled by the control unit111 and via the antenna 114, performs wireless communication betweenbase stations of mobile telecommunication networks as communicationnetworks with predetermined communication systems. This wirelesscommunication enables voice communication between certain mobile phones,sending and receiving e-mails and data communication such as contentdownload from information provider sites.

The voice-processing unit 115 encodes sending voice signals that areinput from the microphone 116 with predetermined systems and sends themto the control unit 111. This voice-processing unit decodes receivingvoice signals that are received by the wireless communication unit 113and outputs them from the speaker 117. Furthermore, thisvoice-processing 115 outputs incoming melodies memorized in the internalmemory 112, and voice signals such as sound effect used by applicationprograms. The sound output means for outputting sound is configured withthe voice-processing unit 115 and the speaker 117.

The image-processing unit 118 processes image data received by thewireless communication unit 113 and image data such as icons, menus andincoming notification images memorized in the internal memory 112, anddisplays them on the display unit 119 having a liquid crystal display(LCD) provided on the mobile phone body. The image display means isconfigured with the image-processing unit 118 and the display unit 119.

The key operation unit 120 comprises data input keys (numeric keys, a *key, and a # key), a call start key, a call end key, a scroll key and amulti-function key, which are used to send and receive calls as well asscroll or select information displayed on the display unit 119.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the imageprojection unit 130. This image projection unit 130 is configured with abeam light source 131, an optical scanner 132, and a drive control unit133 to drive them. For the beam light source 131, LD (Laser Diode) orLED (Light-Emitting Diode) can be used. The strength of the beam lightoutput from the beam light source 131 is controlled by the drive controlunit 133 based on control data sent from the control unit 111. Theoptical scanner 132 is an optical device for projecting onto theprojection screen 200, scanning a beam light output from the beam source131 two-dimensionally. Bam light scanning by the optical scanner 132 isdrive-controlled by the drive control unit 133 in the same way as thebeam light source 131. For this optical scanner 132, for example, onewith small type galvano mirrors capable of high speed scanning can beused. In addition, the drive control unit 133 comprises image memory tomemorize image data and pre-registered data of images as subjects to beprojected, and data for images as subjects to be projected sent withcontrol data from the control unit 111 are memorized. The beam lightsource 131 and the optical scanner 132 are drive-controlled based on theimage data memorized in this image memory.

As the beam light source 131, by using a light source capable ofoutputting multiple types of beam lights (e.g. three primary-color beamlights) with different wavelength each other, and if each beam light isscanned at same time and projected, color images can be projected ontothe project screen 200.

As the beam light source 131, a light source formed with one-dimensionalarray elements having luminous points aligned in a row can be used,wherein light intensity of the luminous points can be controlledindependently each other. In this case, line-shape light output from thelight source may be scanned one-dimensionally by the optical scanner132.

As the beam light source 131, a light source formed with two-dimensionalarray elements having luminous points aligned in two-dimensionally canbe also used, wherein light intensity of the luminous points can becontrolled independently each other. In this case, instead of theoptical scanner 132, an enlarged projection optical system whichprojects onto the projection screen 200 by enlarging two-dimensionalimages displayed on the light sources is used.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing another configuration of the imageprojection unit 130. This image projection unit 130 is comprised of alight source 134 such as a lamp, a spatial light modulator 135, anenlarged projection optical system 136 and the drive control unit 133.

As the spatial light modulator 135, for example, a liquid crystaldisplay used by a normal mobile phone and the like can be used. In thiscase, an image is displayed reversing black and white opposite to thedisplay mode on a transparent type of liquid crystal display. Light fromthe light source 134 is irradiated on the liquid crystal display surfaceon which an image is displayed reversing black and white in this manner,and the reflected image is enlarged by the enlarged projection opticalsystem 136 and projected on the projection screen 200. As this liquidcrystal display, a liquid crystal display provided on a normal mobilephone and the like may also be used as well.

As the spatial light modulator, a light modulator in which small mirrorsaligned two-dimensionally can be used, wherein the tilt of small mirrorcan be controlled independently. In this case, based on image data, thetilt of each mirror is controlled, and reflected light towards theprojection screen 200 from each mirror is switched on/off. Thisreflected image from the special light modulator 135 is enlarged by theenlarged projection optical system 136 and projected onto the projectionscreen 200.

The above-mentioned image projection unit configuration is not limitedto the configurations in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. For example, the imageprojection unit may be configured so as to project an image usinghologram elements. The image projection unit may be also configured soas to project at a wide angle. For example, an image can be projected ata wide-angle using the whole inner wall of a room as a projectionscreen. In this case, for example, an elaborate incoming notificationthat has never been seen before will become possible, such as projectinga sky image with stars in the whole room as in a planetarium.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative diagram showing an appearance of imageprojection on the folding type of mobile phone 100 with the imageprojection 130. This mobile phone 100 is in standby status and placed ona table with the light beam window facing the desired projection screen200 or set in a battery charger for the mobile phone. Then, a user setseither normal image display mode for performing no image projection orimage projection mode for performing image projection, by operating thekey operation unit 120.

FIGS. 5A-5C and FIGS. 6A-6C are illustrative diagrams showing examplesof dedicated images for projection to be projected onto a projectionscreen from a mobile phone.

During standby status of a mobile phone set to image projection mode,the pre-set standby image data dedicated to image projection is read outfrom the internal memory 112, and the standby image is projected ontothe project screen 200. Then, when a call or mail is received, incomingnotification image data such as FIG. 5A is read out from the internalmemory 112, and the incoming notification image is projected onto theprojection screen 200. If a user does not perform any operation forreceiving the call and browsing the mail, image data of incoming historyinformation is read out from the internal memory 112 as an incomingnotification image such as FIG. 5B which is a list of this new incominginformation, and the incoming history information is projected onto theprojection screen 200. If an information provider service is used inorder to send information via wireless communication networks from theserver on the mobile communication network, when new information isreceived, incoming notification image data for new information is readout from the internal memory 112 and the new incoming informationnotification image is projected onto the projection screen 200. If auser does not perform any operation for browsing the new information,incoming notification image data listing new information such as FIG. 5Cis read out from the internal memory 112 and the incoming notificationimage is projected onto the projection screen 200.

The incoming notification images projected onto the above-mentionedprojection screen 200 are incoming notification images dedicated toprojection. These incoming images dedicated to projection can be setindependently from normal incoming notification images displayed on thedisplay unit 199. Therefore, without constraints on incomingnotification images displayed by image display means, incomingnotification images dedicated to projection can be set for users tovisually recognize and to get their attention easily. For example, asshown in FIG. 6A, the incoming notification image includes an imagesection of text information (“Happy Birthday”) processed by scrollinghorizontally to get the users' attention easily. As shown in FIG. 6B,the incoming notification image may include an image section of textinformation processed by flicking to get the users' attention easily. Inthe case of an incoming notification image including incoming historyinformation as shown in FIG. 6C, it is projected with each item in allreceived information having a different shade or color of image to getusers' attention easily. In the case of an incoming notification imageincluding incoming history information, standing out by scrolling orflicking only the image section of the information item received mostrecently (e.g. “Mr. XX: Incoming Call” in FIG. 6C), a user may benotified that the item is received most recently.

The above-mentioned incoming notification image may project differentimages depending on a transmitter of telephone or mail. In this case,the internal memory 112 is used as transmitter information memory meansfor memorizing information of transmitter of telephone or mail. Then,based on incoming information received by the wireless communicationunit 113, information of a corresponding transmitter is read out fromthe internal memory 112, and a control is performed so that theinformation of transmitter is included in the aforementioned incomingnotification image. As stated above, by including the information oftransmitter in the incoming notification images, it can be determinedimmediately who is the transmitter of telephone or mail, by simplyobserving the incoming notification image projected on the projectscreen 200.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an incoming process flow when informationis received on a mobile phone according to the present embodiment. Whenthe mobile phone receives information such as mail, the control unit 111determines whether the image projection mode to project an image isselected or not (Steps 1 and 2). If the image projection mode isselected, the incoming notification image dedicated to projection isprojected onto the projection screen 200, and the incoming sounddedicated to image projection, which is different from normal incomingsound, is output (Steps 3 and 4). On the other hand, if the imageprojection mode is not selected, a normal incoming notification image isdisplayed on the display unit 119 such as liquid crystal display, andnormal incoming sound is output (Steps 5 and 6).

FIG. 8 is a sequence chart showing an example of process flow to projectan incoming notification image when a new mail is received under theimage projection mode selected.

Firstly, during the state in which the image projection mode is selectedto perform image projection by a user, if the standby operation in whichit is possible to receive a mail is executed in the control unit 111, acontrol data for standby image projection is sent from the control unit111 to the drive control unit 133 of the image projection unit 130.Based on this control data for standby image projection, the pre-setstandby image dedicated to projection will start being projected.

In this standby state, if the wireless communication unit 113 of themobile phone 100 receives a mail via a mobile communication network, themail data is sent to control unit 111. The control unit 111 performs adata process to receive the mail in accordance with a predeterminedcontrol program. Then, a control data for incoming notification imageprojection for mail is sent from the control unit 111 to the imageprojection unit 130, and a control data for incoming sound output issent from the control unit 111 to the voice-processing unit 115. Theimage projection unit 130 stops projection of the foregoing standbyimage and starts projection of the incoming notification image dedicatedto projection as shown in FIG. 5A, 6A or 6B. The voice-processing unit115 outputs incoming sound dedicated to image projection for apredetermined period of time based on the control data for incomingsound output. This dedicated incoming sound for image projection and thededicated incoming notification image for projection projected on theprojection screen 200 allow users to be notified that an incomingnotification image is projected onto the project screen 200 and directstheir attention to the incoming notification image. Then, a user viewingthe incoming notification image on the image screen 200 can confirm theincoming mail visually.

Next, after starting projection of the incoming notification image, whena predetermined period of time elapses, a control data to stop theincoming notification is sent from the control unit 111 to the imageprojection unit 130, and projection of the incoming notification imageis stopped. Then, a control data for incoming history image projectionis sent from the control unit 111 to the image projection unit 130 and aprojection of the incoming history image dedicated to projection asshown in FIG. 5B and FIG. 6C is started. The projection of this incominghistory image onto a predetermined projection screen allows users toconfirm the incoming history of mail and the like visually.

FIG. 9 is a sequence chart showing an example of process flow to projectan incoming notification image when a telephone call is received underthe image projection mode selected. This example shows the case when auser does not respond to the incoming telephone call.

Firstly, in the standby state as described above, when the wirelesscommunication unit 113 of the mobile phone 100 receives a telephone callvia a mobile communication network, incoming information is sent to thecontrol unit 111. The control unit 111 receiving the incominginformation sends a control data for incoming notification image fortelephone to the image projection unit 130, and sends a control data forincoming sound output to the voice-processing unit 115. In the imageprojection unit 130, based on the control data for incoming notificationimage projection, a projection of the standby image is stopped and aprojection of the incoming call notification image dedicated toprojection is started. The voice-processing unit 115 outputs incomingsound dedicated to image projection for a predetermined period of timebased on the control data for incoming sound output. This incoming sounddedicated to image projection and incoming call notification imagededicated to projection projected on the project screen 200 allows usersto be notified that an incoming notification image is projected onto theproject screen 200 and directs their attention to the incomingnotification image.

Then, a user viewing the incoming notification image on the projectionscreen 200 can confirm the incoming of mail visually.

Next, after starting projection of the incoming notification image, inthe state of no user response, when the wireless communication unit 113receives a signal of network disconnection, the network disconnectioninformation is sent to the control unit 111. Then, a control data tostop the incoming notification is sent from the control unit 111receiving the network disconnection information to the image projectionunit 130, and a projection of the incoming notification image isstopped. Then, a control data for the incoming history image projectionis sent from the control unit 111 to the image projection unit 130, anda projection of the incoming image dedicated to projection is started,as shown in FIG. 5B and FIG. 6C. The projection of this incoming historyimage onto a predetermined projection screen allows users to confirm theincoming history such as a telephone call and the like visually.

FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing an example of process flow toproject an incoming notification image when new information is receivedfrom an information providing system via a mobile phone communicationnetwork under the image projection mode selected.

Firstly, as stated above, in the state of executing the standbyoperation mode, when the wireless communication unit 113 of the mobilephone 100 receives new information via a mobile phone communicationnetwork, the new information data is sent to the control unit 111. Thecontrol unit 111 executes a data process of receiving new information inaccordance with a predetermined control program. Then, a control datafor the incoming notification image projection for new incominginformation is sent from the control unit 111 to the control projectionunit 130, and a control data for incoming sound output is sent from thecontrol unit 111 to the voice-processing unit 115. The image projectionunit 130 stops a projection of the standby image based on the controldata for the incoming notification image projection, and a projection ofthe incoming notification image dedicated to projection is started.Also, the voice-processing unit 115 outputs incoming sound dedicated tothe image projection based on the control data for incoming sound outputfor a predetermined period of time. This incoming sound dedicated toimage projection and the incoming notification image dedicated toprojection projected onto the projection screen allow users to benotified that the incoming notification image is projected on theprojection screen 200 and to direct their attention to the incomingnotification image. Then, users viewing the incoming notification imageon the project screen 200 can confirm the receiving of new informationvisually.

Next, after starting projection of the new incoming information image,when a predetermined period of time elapses, a control data to stop theincoming notification is sent from the control unit 111 to the imageprojection 130, and a projection of newly received information image isstopped. Then, a control data for projection of newly receivedinformation image is sent from the control unit 111 to the imageprojection unit 130, and a projection of newly received information listimage dedicated to projection is started as shown in FIG. 5C. Theprojection of this newly received information list image on apredetermined projection screen allows users to confirm the newlyreceived information list visually.

As stated above, according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention, a projection of an incoming notification image dedicated toprojection allows users to be notified that the incoming notificationimage is projected onto a projection screen and directs their attentionto the incoming notification image. Therefore, incoming information canbe notified to users more accurately. When incoming sound for imageprojection is output as well as the projection of incoming notificationimages dedicated to projection, the incoming sound dedicated to imageprojection allows users to be notified that incoming notification imagesare projected onto a projection screen more accurately and directsusers' attention to the incoming notification images.

In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the operation of the imageprojection unit 130 may be controlled to stop in the state of standbyfor receiving information such as mail to be received, and an imageprojection may be started by activating the image projection unit 130when information is received. In this case, by stopping the operation ofthe image projection unit 130 in the state of receiving the information,power consumption will not be wasted for the image projection unit 130.Therefore, wasteful power consumption can be avoided by the imageprojection unit 130 in the state of standby to receive information, andwasting batteries in the mobile phone 100 due to image projection can beavoided. In addition, when receiving information such as a mail, instarting image projection by activating the image projection unit 130,the incoming notification image can consistently be projected onto theprojection screen.

The activation of the image projection unit 130 may always be executedfor incoming information. Also, it may be controlled whether the imageprojection unit 130 is automatically activated or not when receivinginformation, according to the environment setup set by users.

In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the mobile phone may becontrolled to allow projection of the incoming notification images(including incoming history images and new incoming information images)only while batteries (not shown) built-in the mobile phone are beingcharged. In this case, a charge detection circuit is set up in themobile phone as charging existence or non-existence detection means fordetecting whether batteries are charging or not. This charge detectioncircuit, for example, monitors charging current supplied from anexternal charging device via interface for external connection, anddetects whether batteries are charging or not based on the existence ornon-existence of a charging current. Then, the control unit 111 controlsso that the foregoing incoming notification image and the like can beprojected only when battery charging is detected for this chargingdetection circuit. Allowing the image projection only when batteries arebeing charged in this manner, batteries inside the mobile phone 100 areprevented from being wasted due to image projection.

The mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment may be configuredto be able to execute an application program developed inobject-oriented programming which is independent of platforms. Then,activation of the image projection unit 130 and projection operation ofincoming notification images by the image projection unit 130 may beexecuted based on instructions from an application program. For theapplication programs, application programs described in JAVA(Trademark), C, and C++ programming language can be listed. Also, thisapplication program execution environment is built by middleware such asJAVA (Trademark) VM (Virtual Machine) and BREW (Trademark). Theapplication program may be pre-installed in the mobile phone 100 and maybe saved and registered in the mobile phone 100 after downloading from adownload server via a mobile communication network as a communicationnetwork.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of an overviewconfiguration of a mobile phone capable of executing applicationprograms, and FIG. 12 is an illustrative diagram showing an example ofsoftware configuration in the mobile phone. This mobile phone comprisesthe above-mentioned control unit 111 as well as an application programexecution management unit 150 as application program execution means.This application program execution management unit 150 is configuredwith a system bus, a CPU and a RAM etc., and operates in accordance witha predetermined middleware for executing application programs. Theapplication program execution management unit 150 corresponds to thecentral “program execution environment” in the software configuration inFIG. 12, provides software such as class libraries, executionenvironment management libraries, application management, etc. used byapplication programs developed in object-oriented programming, andmanages application program execution environments.

The application program can be used by calling a class library such as afunction in the program execution environment via class library API(Application Interface). The history of calling class libraries such asa function is kept until the virtual execution environment forapplication program (Virtual Machine: VM) exits. Also, the executionenvironment management libraries in the program execution environmentcan call phone platform libraries in the later described phone platformvia phone platform API and use the phone platform libraries.

The foregoing control of image projection is performed by sendingcontrol instructions to the image projection unit 130 from theapplication program execution management unit 150 via the control unit111. In addition, as shown by the dotted lines in FIG. 11, it may beconfigured to execute control instructions by sending directly from theapplication program execution management unit 150 to the imageprojection unit 130.

FIG. 13 is a sequence chart showing an example of the process flow toexecute projection operation of incoming notification images by theimage projection unit 130 based on instructions from applicationprograms for standby during execution, when a new mail is received.

In this example, an application program for standby is executed in thestate in which the image projection mode is selected for a user toperform image projection. In this standby status, when the mobile phone100 receives a mail via a mobile communication network, the mail data issent to the control unit 111. The control unit 111 executes dataprocessing of mail received according to a predetermined controlprogram. Then, mail incoming information is sent from the control unit111 to the application program execution environment managed by theapplication program execution management unit 150. The applicationprogram calls up a predetermined function (method) for an imageprojection activation request instruction and an incoming sound outputrequest instruction based on the incoming information, for theapplication program execution environment. The application programexecution environment, in which this function (method) is called up,sends an image projection activation request instruction and an incomingsound output request instruction to the control unit 111.

The control unit 111 receiving the image projection activation requestinstruction and the incoming sound output request instruction sends anactivation request instruction and control data for incomingnotification image projection to the image projection unit 130, andsends control data for incoming sound output to the voice-processingunit 115 as well.

The image projection 130 is activated according to the activationrequest instruction and starts a projection of incoming notificationimage dedicated to projection based on the control data for incomingnotification image projection. Also, the voice-processing unit 115outputs incoming sound for image projection based on the control datafor incoming sound output for a predetermined period of time. Theincoming sound dedicated to image projection and the incomingnotification image dedicated to projection projected onto the projectionscreen 200 allows users to be notified that the incoming notificationimage is projected onto the projection screen 200 and directs theirattention to the incoming notification image. Furthermore, users viewingthe incoming notification image on the projection screen 200 can confirmthe incoming mail visually.

FIG. 14 is a sequence chart showing an example of process flow toexecute the projection operation of an incoming notification image bythe image projection unit 130 when a telephone call is received, basedon instructions from application programs for standby in execution.

Firstly, as previously described, in the state of standby in which thestandby application program is executed, when the wireless communicationunit 113 of the mobile phone 100 receives a telephone call via a mobilecommunication network, the incoming information is sent to the controlunit 111. The control unit 111 receiving the incoming information sendsthe incoming information to the application program executionenvironment managed by the application program execution management unit150. The application program calls up a predetermined function (method)for an image projection activation request instruction and an incomingsound output request instruction based on the incoming information. Theapplication program execution environment, in which the function(method) is called up, sends an image projection request instruction andan incoming sound output request instruction to the control unit 111.

The control unit 111 receiving the image projection activation requestinstruction and the incoming sound output request instruction sends anactivation request instruction and control data for incomingnotification image projection to image projection unit 130, and sendscontrol data for incoming sound output to the voice control unit 115 aswell.

The image projection unit 130 is activated according to the activationrequest instruction and starts projection of an incoming notificationimage dedicated to projection, based on the control data for incomingnotification image projection. Also, the voice-processing 115 outputsincoming sound dedicated to image projection based on the control datafor incoming sound output for a predetermined period time. This incomingsound dedicated to image projection and incoming notification imagededicated to projection projected onto the projection screen 200 allowsusers to be notified that the incoming notification image is projectedonto the projection screen 200 and directs their attention to theincoming notification image. Furthermore, users viewing the incomingnotification image onto the projection screen 200 can confirm theincoming telephone call visually.

In the examples of FIGS. 13 and 14, activation of the image projectionunit 130 and projection operation of incoming notification images areexecuted based on the application program for standby. However, they maybe executed based on instructions from other application programs. Forexample, during execution of an application program specific forcontrolling projector functions, when a mail or telephone call isreceived, activation of the image projection unit 130 and projectionoperation of incoming notification images may be performed based oninstructions from the application program.

In the above-mentioned FIG. 11 to FIG. 14, a mobile phone capable ofexecuting an application program developed in object-orientedprogramming independent of platforms using program languages such asJAVA (registered trademark) is described, However, the present inventioncan be applied without limiting the type of application program.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, an identifier to identify whether animage is dedicated to projection or not may be added to the contentsdata of images projected on the image projection unit 130. Then, theidentifier data attached to the contents data of images may be analyzed,and based on the analysis, it may be controlled whether the image isprojected on the image projection unit 130 or not.

Second Embodiment

Next, the second embodiment of the present invention is described.

A mobile phone as an information communication terminal according to thesecond embodiment of the present invention is configured to generatedata for a single dedicated image for projection by combining multiplekinds of individual images, and to project the single dedicated imagefor projection onto the project screen 200.

For the overall configuration of the mobile phone of this embodiment andconfiguration of the image projection unit, the overview configurationshown in FIG. 1 and configuration of the image projection unit shown inFIG. 2 and FIG. 3 in the first embodiment described above can beemployed and description of common parts will be omitted. Hereinafter,parts different from the above described configuration and operationaccording to the first embodiment will be described.

A key operation unit 120 of a mobile phone in this embodiment can beused as projection image designation means for users to designateindividual images to be combined into a single dedicated image forprojection projected all at once onto the project screen, from a displayimage displayable by switching to the display unit 119 comprising of aliquid crystal display and from multiple kinds of individual imagescomprising of one part of the display image.

FIG. 15 is an illustrative diagram showing a mobile phone 100 projectingan image in this embodiment. This mobile phone 100 is, in the state ofstandby, placed on a table with a light beam window of the imageprojection unit 130 facing the desired projection screen 200, or set ona battery charger for mobile phones. Users set either the normal imagedisplay mode with no image projection or the image projection mode withimage projection by operating the key operation unit 120. Then, themobile phone 100 of this embodiment is configured to generate data of asingle image dedicated to projection by combining multiple kinds ofindividual images which are displayable on the display unit anddifferent from each other as shown below when executing the imageprojection mode, and also configured to be able to project the dedicatedimage for projection onto the projection screen 200. In the exampleshown in FIG. 15, data of dedicated images for projection is generatedso as to project four kinds of individual images which are displayableand different from each other on the display unit 119, each on anindividual projection area 200 a-200 d (Hereinafter referred as “dividedprojection area”) which is a quarter of the projection screen 200.

FIG. 16 is an illustrative diagram showing an example of projectionimages to be projected onto the projection screen 200 from the mobilephone 100. FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing an overview of the projectioncontrol process by the control unit 111 when projecting images in FIG.16. This mobile phone 100 can project a single image dedicated toprojection combined from the four kinds of individual images A-D whichare displayable on the display unit 119 in the normal projection displaymode, onto the projection screen 200.

In the projection control process of the control unit 111, firstly, dataused for each individual image is obtained (Step 1). The firstindividual image A is an image displaying date and time to be projectedonto the first divided projection area 200 a. This data used fordisplaying date and time is generated in a clock unit (not shown here)in the control unit 111.

The second individual image B is an incoming notification image to beprojected onto the second divided projection area 200 b. The data usedfor this incoming notification images is generated in the control unit111 when receiving telephone call, mail or information from a server ona mobile telecommunication network by the wireless communication unit113.

The third individual image C is a receiving information display image tobe projected onto the third divided projection area 200 c. The data usedfor this receiving information display image is generated in the controlunit 111 based on new incoming information data saved in a predeterminedarea of the internal memory 112 after being received by the wirelesscommunication unit 113 from the server on mobile communication network.

The fourth individual image D is an image of a greeting card to beprojected onto the fourth divided projection area 200 d. The data usedfor this greeting card image is for example, generated in the controlunit 111 based on selected image data linked to the specific date andtime from multiple kinds of library images pre-saved in the internalmemory 112.

Next, based on each of the individual images A-D data, a process isexecuted to combine each of individual image A-D to one dedicated imagefor projection shown in FIG. 16 (Step 2), and data of an image dedicatedto projection is generated to be projected on the image projection unit130 (Step 3). This image data generated by the control unit 111 is sentto the image projection unit 130, and a dedicated image for projectioncombined from the four individual images is projected onto theprojection screen 200 as shown in FIG. 16.

As described above, according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention, users can confirm four kinds of individual images onto theprojection screen 200 at the same time without the operation ofswitching screens, by generating data for one dedicated image forprojection combined from four kinds of individual images, and projectingthe dedicated image for projection onto the projection screen 200.

Also, according to this embodiment, each of four kinds of individualimages is allocated to multiple divided projection areas 200 a-200 dwhich are different from each other onto the external projection screenand projected. By allocating in this manner, each of four kinds ofindividual images is projected so as not to be overlapped so thatinterference between each of the individual images can be avoided andeach overall individual image is accurately recognized visually.

In the second embodiment, the individual images as subjects to becombined may be one part of display images to be displayed on thedisplay unit 119 of the mobile phone as well. For example, it may be animage in a pictogram area where information such as electric fieldstrength of radio waves used for wireless communication or remainingquantity of batteries are displayed, or a part of images in thepictogram area.

Image data for displaying and image data dedicated to projection savedin the internal memory 112 may be combined to generate data of onededicated image for projection that is actually projected onto theprojection screen after being combined.

Data of images dedicated to projection as subjects to be projected maybe generated to incorporate or overlap one part of multiple individualimages as subjects to be combined with other individual images.

In the second embodiment, in the case in which the mobile phone 100 hasmultiple display units, individual images displayed on each display unitmay be combined to be projected onto one projection screen. For example,in the case in which the mobile phone 100 has two display units, a frontdisplay and a rear display, as shown in FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B, imagesdisplayed on each display (individual display units) are combined to beprojected onto one projection screen. FIG. 18A shows an example ofprojecting images of a game application program executed on the mobilephone (an image displayed on the front display) and a standby image (animage displayed on the rear display) together onto the projectionscreen. FIG. 18B shows an example of projecting images of player 1 of agame application program for two players executed in the mobile phone(an image displayed on the front display) and an image for player 2 (animage displayed on the rear display) together onto the externalprojection screen.

In this manner, by combining individual images displayed on multipledisplay units 119 and projecting the images onto one projection screen200, on the same projection screen 200, multiple kinds of individualimages which are different from each other and displayed on the multipledisplay units can be confirmed at the same time.

In the second embodiment, the projection control process shown in FIG.19 may be executed and users may be allowed to designate individualimages to be combined and projected onto the external projection screen200. In this case, before obtaining data of images dedicated toprojection, users designate individual images as subjects to beprojected by operating the key operation unit 120 as projection imagedesignation means. Only these designated individual images are combinedand projected together onto the projection screen 200. In this case,users can designate individual images projected together onto theprojection screen 200 and the images can be projected as users' desire.

In the second embodiment, as describe above, the mobile phone 100 may beconfigured so that application programs developed in object-orientedprogramming which is independent of platforms can be executed. Forschematic configuration and software architecture of a mobile phonecapable of executing this application program, those shown in theabove-mentioned FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 can be employed respectively and thedescription for the schematic configuration and software architecture isomitted.

Third Embodiment

Next, the third embodiment of the present invention is described.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematicconfiguration of a mobile phone as an information communication terminalaccording to the third embodiment of the present invention. The mobilephone 100 of this embodiment comprises a first image projection unit 130and a second image projection unit 140 as multiple image projectionmeans.

For the overall configuration of a mobile phone of this embodiment andconfigurations of multiple image projection units 130 and 140, theoverall configuration shown in FIG. 1 according to the first embodimentas described above, and configuration of image projection unit shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 can be employed as well and common description will beomitted. Hereinafter, some parts of configuration and operationsdifferent from the first embodiment described above will be described.

A control unit 111 in FIG. 20 is used as control means for controllingimage projection on multiple image projection units 130 and 140. Aninternal memory 112 is used as data memory means for memorizing data ofimages projected on the multiple image projection units 130 and 140. Akey operation unit 120 is also used as designation means for users todesignate at least one of the multiple image projection units 130 and140. The key operation unit 120 is also used as light quantitydesignation means for users to designate the light quantity for theimage projection units 130 and 140.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an example of other configuration ofthe image projection unit 130. In this image projection unit 130, therear display 119 b, which is one of two displays 119 a and 119 b formingthe display unit 119 of the mobile phone, is also used as a light sourcefor the first image projection unit. Images displayed on this reardisplay 119 b are projected onto the projection screen 200 by amagnifying projection optical system 136. This magnifying projectionoptical system 136 is formed to be removable from the mobile phone body100. It is normally removed from the mobile phone body 100, and whenbeing used for image projection, it can be mounted on the rear display119 b of the mobile phone body 100 by mount fixing units 136 a set up onboth sides.

In the case in which images on the rear display 119 b are projected asshown in FIG. 21, the light quantity of the rear display 119 b ispreferably controlled by the control unit 111 so as to be higher thannormal image display. In this case, visibility of projected images canbe improved.

In the configuration in FIG. 21, the projection optical system may beused to project images displayed on the rear display 119 b by flippinghorizontally. In this case, when projecting an image, a mirror-reversedimage is displayed on the rear display 119 b by flipping a normaldisplaying image horizontally. Accordingly, images such as textinformation can be projected in the correct direction horizontally inthe same way as when displaying normal images.

As shown in FIG. 22, when the image projection unit using the reardisplay 119 b as a light source is set as the first image projectionunit, the second image projection unit may be set at upper surfaceportion of the mobile phone 100 and to project an image upward.

FIG. 23 is an illustrative diagram of the folding type of mobile phone100 with the image projection units 130 and 140 projecting multipleimages. This mobile phone 100 in the state of waiting is placed on atable or set in a battery charger for mobile phone so that light beamwindows of the image projection units 130 and 140 are facing the desiredprojection screen 200 and 210, respectively. Users set either a normalimage display mode for no image projection or an image projection modefor image projection by operating the key operation unit 120. Then, themobile phone of this embodiment is configured to project each imagedifferent from each other onto the projection screen 200 and theprojection screen 210 when executing the image projection mode. In theexample in FIG. 23, an incoming notification image or a standby image isprojected onto the first projection screen 200, and the body text ofreceived mail or distributed information is projected as textinformation onto the second projection screen 210.

While projecting standby images onto the first projection screen 200,images of a game application program executed in the mobile phone may beprojected onto the second projection screen 210. If the game applicationprogram uses two images, the first image may be projected onto the firstprojection screen 200 and the second image may be projected onto thesecond projection screen 200 at the same time. Furthermore, whileprojecting a text information image onto the first image projectionscreen, the above-mentioned sky image may be projected onto the entireroom by the second image projection unit.

As described above, according to the third embodiment of the presentinvention, each of the two image projection units 130 and 140 controlledby the control unit 111 can project images onto different projectscreens 200 and 210, respectively, and multiple images can be projectedonto the two different projection screens 200 and 210 at the same time.

In the third embodiment, the multiple image projection units 130 and 140may be configured so that users can select either unit at their owndiscretion to project images as well. For example, images are projectedby either one of the image projection units 130 or 140, or images areprojected by both image projection units 130 and 140. The imageprojection can be designated by the users' operation of the keyoperation unit 120. The control unit 111 controls the designated imageprojection unit to project images.

In the third embodiment, the image projection units 130 and 140, and therear display 119 b may be configured so that users can set lightquantity of the image projection units at users' own discretion. Forexample, when the projection screen has a surface status on which aprojection image is not easily recognized visually or the projectionscreen is in a bright environment, the light quantity is set relativelyhigh. In contrary to this, when the projection screen has a surfacestatus on which a projection image is easily recognized visually or theprojection screen is in a dark environment, the light quantity is setrelatively low. In this configuration, an appropriate light quantity canbe set according to the type of projection screen, and wasteful powerconsumption can be reduced with maintaining the visual recognition ofprojection images.

The setup of light quantity for the image projection units 130 and 140and the rear display 119 b may be automatically switched to apredetermined light quantity when the control unit 111 activates theimage projection unit to start image projection.

In the third embodiment, it is described about the case in which twoimage projection units 130 and 140 are provided. However, the presentinvention can be applied to the case in which more than two imageprojection units are provided.

In the third embodiment, it may be configured so that two projectionunits may be placed to be able to project in same direction andthree-dimensional images can appear by an illusionary effect. In thiscase, the configuration can be functioned as a parallax type ofthree-dimensional display.

In the third embodiment, a control may be performed so that when thereis no image as a subject to be projected, operation of the imageprojection units 130 and 140 is stopped, and when the control unit 111receives an image projection instruction externally or determines it istime for image projection, the image projection units 130 and 140 areactivated to start image projection. In this case, by stopping operationof the image projection units 130 and 140 when projecting no image, nopower consumption is wasted in the image projection units 130 and 140.Therefore, wasteful power consumption by the image projection units 130and 140 can be avoided when performing no image projection and batteryconsumption can be avoided in the mobile phone 100.

The foregoing image projection units using the rear display 119 b as alight source as well shown in FIG. 21 in the third embodiment may beused as the image projection units 130 in the first embodiment and thesecond embodiment as described above.

In the third embodiment, as described above, the mobile phone 100 may beconfigured so that application programs developed in object-orientedprogramming independent of platforms can be executed. For a schematicconfiguration of the mobile phone capable of executing these applicationprograms and software architecture, those shown in the foregoing FIG. 11and FIG. 12 can be employed respectively and the description for theschematic configuration and software architecture is omitted.

As stated above, preferable embodiments of the present invention aredescribed. However, various modifications can be made to the disclosedembodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the presentinvention, and within the scope of technical items described in theclaims.

For example, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentionedmobile phone, but also information communication terminals capable ofprojecting images such as PHS, automobile phones, and fixed phones aswell as such as PDA with mobile phone modules attached, and similareffects can be obtained.

1. An information communication terminal comprising: image display meansfor displaying images; image projection means for projecting images ontoan external projection screen; and control means for controlling theimage projection means: the information communication terminal furthercomprising data memory means for memorizing data of dedicated images forprojection which are different from images displayed by the imagedisplay means; wherein the control means controls the image projectionmeans to read out data of a dedicated image for projection from the datamemory means when projecting images, and project the dedicated image forprojection.
 2. An information communication terminal according to claim1, the information communication terminal comprising informationreceiving means for receiving information via communication networks;wherein the control means, when information is received by theinformation receiving means, controls the image projection means toproject an incoming notification image dedicated to projection as thededicated image for projection which can be set up independently fromincoming notification images displayed by the image display means.
 3. Aninformation communication terminal according to claim 1, the informationcommunication terminal comprising: information receiving means forreceiving information via a communication network; and sound outputmeans for outputting sound; wherein the control means, when informationis received by the information receiving means, controls the soundoutput means to output incoming sound for image projection, which isdifferent from normal incoming sound when the dedicated image forprojection are not projected.
 4. An information communication terminalaccording to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the control means controls sothat an operation of the image projection means is kept stopping duringstandby status for receiving the information, and an image projection isstarted by activating the image projection means when information isreceived by the image receiving means.
 5. An information communicationterminal according to claim 1, wherein the data memory means memorizesmultiple kinds of individual image data including displayable imageswith the image display means and the dedicated images for projection;and the control means controls the image projection means to combinemultiple individual image data which are read out selectively from thedata memory means, to generate data of dedicated images for projectionas subjects to be projected, and to project the dedicated images forprojection as subjects to be projected onto the external projectionscreen.
 6. An information communication terminal according to claim 5,wherein each of the multiple kinds of individual images is projectedwhile being allocated to multiple individual projection areas on theexternal projection screen.
 7. An information communication terminalaccording to claim 5 or 6, the information communication terminalcomprising the image display means that has multiple display units;wherein multiple kinds of individual images to be projected togetheronto the external project screen are individual images which aredifferent from each other and displayed on each display unit.
 8. Aninformation communication terminal according to claim 5, 6 or 7, theinformation communication terminal comprising projection imagedesignation means for users to designate each image to be combined withthe dedicated image for projection as a subject to be projected; whereinthe control means combines the data of multiple individual imagesdesignated by the projection image designation means and generates dataof a dedicated image for projection as a subject to be projected.
 9. Aninformation communication terminal according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7 or 8, the information communication terminal comprising light quantitydesignation means for designating the light quantity of the imageprojection means; wherein the control means controls the imageprojection means to obtain the light quantity designated by the lightquantity designation means.
 10. An information communication terminalaccording to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8, wherein the imageprojection means is configured with a projection optical system thatprojects images displayed on a display unit provided in the imagedisplay means to an external projection screen.
 11. An informationcommunication terminal according to claim 10, wherein the projectionoptical system projects an image on the image section by flippinghorizontally, and the control means controls the image display means todisplay images on the image section by flipping the normal image displayhorizontally.
 12. An information communication terminal according toclaim 10 or 11, the information communication terminal comprising lightquantity designation means for designating light quantity of the imagedisplay means; wherein the control means controls the image displaymeans to obtain the light quantity designated by the light quantitydesignation means when projecting images.
 13. An informationcommunication terminal according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11 or 12, the information communication terminal comprising applicationexecution control means for controlling an application program executionenvironment; wherein the control means controls to start imageprojection by activating the image projection means when an imageprojection instruction is received from the application executioncontrol means.